Old, laminate countertops. Dated tile. Worn-out vinyl flooring. A dingy, stained tub. If any of this sounds like your bathroom, it’s time for an update.
Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s a room where you spend a lot of time, and ideally, you’d like it to be a practical, beautiful space—instead of an eyesore with little functionality. In addition, bathrooms can greatly influence the value of your home. Bathroom remodels (like kitchen remodels) offer a great return on investment and are very attractive to prospective buyers.
Whether you want to update your bathroom for your own use or to better market your house, we’re here to help. Let’s look at why you should consider glass and where you can use it in your bathroom renovation.
Why Glass Is Ideal for Bathrooms
Glass is a beautiful, elegant, and timeless material. Unlike other materials, there’s little worry that you’ll regret your choice 15 years down the road.
It’s also a very durable and hygienic material. Unlike plastic shower curtains, for example, glass is more durable and easier to clean. If you are worried about the safety of glass, you should know that today’s glass shower doors and enclosures are made of tempered glass, a material that breaks into small, dull pieces instead of sharp, jagged fragments. Installed properly and handled with care, the glass in your bathroom is about as safe as any other material.
Finally—and perhaps best of all—glass is great for making a small space seem larger. The transparency of glass allows your eye to see more of the space, creating the illusion of spaciousness. Most houses, particularly older houses, have small bathrooms, which means that making the space appear more spacious is a concern for many homeowners.
Where to Use Glass in Your Bathroom
Glass can be used in the obvious places (like mirrors, cabinets, and showers) and in the not-so-obvious places (like wall tile).
Mirrors
Mirrors can be both functional and decorative. In addition to a mirror above your sink, you might want to consider adding another mirror on a different wall. Large, strategically placed mirrors reflect light, making the space brighter, and the space itself, making it seem bigger.
Glass Cabinets
Glass cabinets work well in ornate, elegant bathrooms as well as simple, modern ones. The options for glass cabinets are nearly endless and include a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes. For example, if you’re worried about guests seeing any clutter in your cabinets, consider frosted or patterned glass: these finishes give you the look of glass while removing some transparency.
Glass Showers
Glass shower enclosures (framed and frameless) have many benefits: they’re more beautiful, durable, and sanitary than plastic shower curtains. They also make the bathroom seem larger and more open by allowing the eye to travel the full length of the bathroom.
If you are keeping your existing tub, consider a glass shower door in lieu of a shower curtain. The kind of glass shower enclosure you choose will depend on your budget and style preference. Framed glass shower enclosures are cheaper and less prone to leaks (thanks to their rubber seal) than the frameless variety. However, some homeowners don’t like the look of the frame. In that case, a frameless shower enclosure, though more expensive, is the better option.
If you’re starting from scratch, think about a glass walk-in shower. This is a great option for homeowners who don’t have the time or desire to take baths. A glass walk-in shower allows you to maximize the functionality and floor space of your bathroom. (And if you want to preserve the option to take a bath, you can include a small tub inside the walk-in shower.)
Wall Tile
If your bathroom redesign includes wall tile, you’ll want to consider glass.
Like mirrors, glass wall tiles add to the brightness and openness of a bathroom. They come in an almost infinite number of styles and sizes, from large subway tiles to small mosaic tiles. You’re sure to find a style you love for your new bathroom.
Questions? Call Us!
If you have questions about how to use glass in your bathroom remodel, we’d be happy to answer them. Jack’s has been helping Ohio and Kentucky homeowners with their glass needs since 1945. Our shower and tub specialists will visit you on-site to provide a free quote and walk you through the process—start to finish.
Call us today to get started.
